JFH Music News

March, 2013

*Friday, March 29, 2013*

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Tedashii's one year old son passing this month. Reach Records posted a blog about the tragic news, urging prayer support and financial support for the rapper and his family. Please read on and consider praying and giving if you can... - JFH / "This month Tedashii's family suffered a terrible tragedy. His one year old boy passed away. Please join us as we encourage and bless our brother Tedashii and his family at this time. Read the blog (below) from His Voice Global to find out how you can help...
<< Full Report >>Colossus is a beast of a band whose sound lives up to the name. Massive and formidable, faithfully dedicated to the traditional hardcore principles, while also generously carving in plenty of hooks and sing-alongs for a superb multi-faceted and progressive sound. The diversity of the members' influences enable them to keep the song writing fresh, and a modest hardcore scene in the band's hometown of Sioux Falls, SD "has helped us take inspiration from a lot of different sounds. We have to reach out to find new music." Going out of their local scene to experience musical diversity pays off for Colossus in doses of ingenuity and invention in each song; songs that make you want to learn the lyrics...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 28, 2013*

Four-time GRAMMY® nominee and New York Times-acclaimed recording artist Matthew West's current radio hit, "Hello My Name Is," is inspiring people across the country and world to step out of the darkness and into the light of recovery. The second single from the GRAMMY®-nominated album Into The Light, "Hello My Name Is," is quickly gaining ground at radio, with it claiming the No. 20 spot on the National Audience Chart...
<< Full Report >>
Season 11 alum Colton Dixon will make a triumphant return to the American Idol stage on the tonight's results show! Colton is returning to perform his next hit "Love Has Come for Me" in front of millions of viewers. Colton is on the road right now opening for Third Day, promoting his debut album A Messenger, and is excited about the opportunity to return to the show especially after current finalist...
<< Full Report >>
Southern California's PRESS PLAY have recently completed tracking their new album which will be released this coming September on DREAM Records. The album was recorded at 3 Studios in Lakeville, MN with producers David Thulin, Dave Hanley and Jonathan Thulin. The new studio album will be the band's fourth full length album with DREAM, following 2011?s critically acclaimed World Anthem...
<< Full Report >>
Grammy ®, Dove and BMI Award-winner, Percy Bady announced the release of the highly anticipated new project, Kingdom Inspirations. The CD is available online and in stores on May 7 and distributed in partnership by Maranatha! Music and Capitol CMG Distribution.
"The initial thought for this CD was make music that would be encouraging and inspiring to people," Bady said of Kingdom Inspirations...
<< Full Report >>
Known as "The Voice" it's no wonder, Sandi Patty is one of the most highly-acclaimed performers winning five Grammy Awards, four Billboard Music Awards and having sold eleven million units including three Platinum records and five Gold records. Patty's career has taken her all over the world, and soon will take her to Carnegie Hall once again. Performing in a show titled, "Honoring Israel," Sandi Patty has teamed up with Dino Kartsonakis and long-time friend, Larnelle Harris to co-headline the show together. These wonderful singers will be backed by the Denver Mile High Orchestra and The Manhattan Pop Orchestra conducted by David Clydesdale. The talent doesn't end there either...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 27, 2013*

Two-time GRAMMY®-nominated rock band SKILLET have announced a June 25 release for their highly anticipated new album RISE (Atlantic/Word). The album's lead singles "Sick Of It" (Mainstream Active Rock/Christian rock) and "American Noise" (Christian CHR) will go to radio on April 8 and 9, while "Sick of It" and "American Noise" will be available at iTunes® on April 9 and 16 respectively. RISE follows the band's 2009 blockbuster, Awake, which was recently certified platinum for sales in excess of one million copies in the U.S. It's worth noting that Skillet...
<< Full Report >>The Analog Sessions has finally arrived! This week is the anticipated release of Shawn McDonald's special song collection - nine re-recorded raw analog-recorded live-to-tape fan favorites. With the addition of two brand new songs, The Analog Sessions is a great way to celebrate the ten-year mark of McDonald's musical career. Great reviews and fan feedback have been pouring in about The Analog Sessions, showing that this singer/songwriter/storyteller has quite the following from media and fans alike. With fans sharing that...
<< Full Report >>
Formed in Los Angeles and comprised of members from Deliverance, Recon, Sacred Warrior and Barren Cross, Worldview is: George Rene Ochoa (Deliverance, Recon)- Guitars, BGV, Rey Parra (Sacred Warrior) - Lead Vocals, Mike Grato (Recon, Deliverance) - Bass guitar, Johnny Gonzales (Recon) - Drums, Eddie Starline Lopez (Recon) - Guitars, BGV, Ronson Webster (Recon, Barren Cross) - Keyboards, BGV and Todd Libby (Recon) - Keyboards. The band-mates had always talked about at some point joining forces as they criss-crossed the country on tour...
<< Full Report >>
As world-renowned worship leader, best-selling author and Hope Unlimited Church Sr. Pastor Darlene Zschech prepares for Easter celebrations this weekend, Christians across continents are joining in the call to worship presented through her Revealing Jesus live CD/DVD and 365-day devotional hardcover gift book from RGM-NEW BREED Music / Integrity Music and Bethany House Publishers, respectively. Released last week amidst international acclaim, her long-awaited new recording took top retail sales spots around the world, including peaking at No. 1 in Australia and No. 3 in the U.S. on iTunes'® Christian & Gospel Charts, No. 5 on the Singapore iTunes Pop Albums Chart and No. 4 on the...
<< Full Report >>
Saddleback Church will be launching their next Church to Church movement on April 13 with IGNITE 2013. Featuring Kenny Luck, Author, Saddleback's Pastor of Men and founder of Every Man Ministries as the Keynote Speaker, this inaugural event will kick off a movement that will begin in the nine Southern California and twelve International Saddleback Churches as well as a worldwide network that reaches nearly every denomination through live events and video on demand. "Modern culture has yet to see what God can do through a spiritually empowered community of men...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 26, 2013*

sixstepsrecords' Matt Redman has yet one more reason to celebrate another crowning achievement for his powerful worship anthem "10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)." After earning two GRAMMY® awards in the categories of Best Contemporary Christian Music Song and Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance this past February, the incredibly popular song was recently certified Digital Gold by the RIAA. As the first No. 1 single for co-writers Redman and Jonas Myrin, the song made an admirable 16-week run at No. 1 on Christian Radio and remained at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs Chart for an impressive four months...
<< Full Report >>
On Friday, former Sparrow Records act Above The Golden State launched a new Kickstarter campaign to fund a forthcoming worship project, asking for just $10,000 in 60 days. Check out the details below and visit their Kickstarter campaign page to chip in!
"Creating music that will glorify Jesus- the Creator of music... giving a voice for this generation to worship Him! If you've followed Above The Golden State’s music you know my priorities...
<< Full Report >>
Singer-songwriter duo Shane & Shane puts the finishing touches on its May 14 studio release, Bring Your Nothing, self-produced at the group's very own Wellhouse recording studios in Dallas last month. Bring Your Nothing, a musical expedition that features everything from jazz to pop/rock, folk as well as modern worship, reflects the heartbeat of Shane & Shane through interlaced vocals and honest musings more akin to a pastor’s heart than a musician’s. For more information, visit: www.shaneandshane.com...
<< Full Report >>John Elefante, former lead singer of the powerhouse rock band Kansas, announces the release of his new solo album, On My Way to the Sun, on May 7, 2013. What started as a Kickstarter project in January of 2012 is now a full-length album distributed and marketed by Syntax. "My new CD is really birthed out of demand from my core fan base, as well as a longing to make a new record better than the one before," Elefante says...
<< Full Report >>IMMERSE, the Gospel Music Association's music training experience, is honored to announce OneLife (www.onelifematters.org) as its ministry partner for this year's event. IMMERSE is designed as the one stop for developing artists and songwriters, providing legitimate training and networking with Christian music professionals. "Our vision for IMMERSE is that it will effectively train and develop the next generation...
<< Full Report >>
DREAM Records is proud to announce the release of Steve Hare's first single, "A Heart Like Your Own" which is now available to all digital retailers. Steve went into the studio and collaborated with one of Christian music's hottest producers, Seth Mosley (Newsboys, Hawk Nelson, MercyMe) who has had a string of billboard number 1 hits. He also collaborated with writers, Chris Sligh (American Idol), Manwell Reyes (Group 1 Crew) and Beckah Shae...
<< Full Report >>
CrossBooks, an imprint of B&H Publishing Group, has released "Destiny Bridge: Dare to Believe God," the debut book release from popular Gospel recording artist Kevin LeVar. Though primarily known for penning powerful lyrics with hits like "A Heart that Forgives," LeVar now shows that his gift of writing extends far beyond the world of music...
<< Full Report >>
The members of Dove Award winning vocal group First Call recently attended the 2013 National Religious Broadcasters Convention (NRB), held March 2-5, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Melodie Tunney, Bonnie Keen and Marty McCall were at the convention to promote the group's upcoming tour, as well as perform at the NRB Awards Dinner, the finale of the four-day event. "This year's NRB was a highlight for First Call, as we prepare for our own upcoming concerts as well as the Lord of All Tour...
<< Full Report >>
The acclaimed Easter stage show, "The Thorn," is coming to audiences around the nation for a limited engagement run as part of the production's highly anticipated 2013 national tour. Nearly 1 million people have to date seen the stunningly unique live production, described by reviewers as "A Cirque du Soleil performance, meets The Passion of the Christ, meets a Broadway musical."
"The Thorn" is a live, dramatic portrayal of the passion of the Christ like you have never seen...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 25, 2013*

Breakout hip hop artist and skateboard enthusiast, Andy Mineo, is auctioning off the SalemTown Board Co. custom-made skateboard ($350 retail value) featured in his "AYO!" music video. Starting today, the auction will be open to the public on Ebay until April 4. All proceeds from the auction will be donated to the organization in effort to help the urban youth in Nashville, Tenn...
<< Full Report >>Chonda Pierce, the unrivaled "The Queen of Clean Comedy" packs up her cheerful, unpretentious Southern charm, musical talent and laser-sharp wit for a talk-show styled tour launching April 4 in Lenoir City, Tenn. The tour will visit 35+ cities through June, including a stop at the historic Ryman Auditorium on June 22.
The unscripted traveling talk show promises laughs without-a-safety-net. Known for incorporating music into her comedy, Chonda will be joined on select dates by special musical guest Geoff Moore...
<< Full Report >>
Word Films is set to release "Mother India: Life Through the Eyes of the Orphan" on DVD April 23. Winner of "Best Short Documentary" at the 2012 San Diego Christian Film Festival, the film is a compelling documentary that chronicles the adventure of 25 courageous orphans living as a family along the railway in Tenali, India. "Mother India" brings to light the struggles faced daily by over 31 million orphans in India and the challenge of rescuing them from a life of begging and addiction...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 22, 2013*

Michael Barnes, lead singer of rock band RED, whose recent album "Release The Panic" landed on the Billboard Top Ten, announced that he will participate in the CURE Champion Program by running the Rock and Roll Marathon in Nashville next month. Established by CURE International, the Champion Program allows participants to meet a fitness goal while simultaneously raising money for life-changing surgeries for children in emerging countries...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 21, 2013*

Yesterday, pop rock trio Abandon (formerly on Forefront Records) announced plans for a brand new independent project -- and they need fan support to make it happen! Check out Abandon's Kickstarter announcement below and visit their campaign page to pledge!
"Hey everyone, we are making a NEW album! We feel these new tunes that we want to record and share with you, are some of the best we have ever written. WE WANT YOU TO BE A PART! To make this album happen we...
<< Full Report >>
Memphis-based recording artist Mr. Del is pleased to announce that his fourth solo album, "Faith Walka," will be released on June 18th via DMG and Universal Music Christian Group. A former member of the multi-platinum hardcore rap group Three 6 Mafia, Mr. Del is now widely recognized as an innovator in the Christian rap and hip-hop genre, both as an artist and a producer.
Mr. Del wants his untraditional approach to sharing the Gospel to meet society's need for truth in music. "'Faith Walka' is a musical journey of faith and triumph expressed through banging beats and bold...
<< Full Report >>
Before sites like Kickstarter and IndieGoGo surfaced, fan-funded projects were rare, but legendary Christian metal band Bride utilized this concept back in 2009 to fund their album Tsar Bomba. While the past couple albums have been deemed their "final album" until plans for the next one were announced, Bride's founders, the Thompson brothers Dale and Troy, have been teasing plans of another new record since Tsar Bomba's release. Now they're officially planning to record in May and have started collecting preorders to help fund the project...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 20, 2013*

The brand new and highly anticipated record from Audio Adrenaline, Kings & Queens (Fair Trade Services), dropped last Tuesday and released to much acclaim. Between radio airplay and media accolades, the album debuted at No. 3 on the album charts while also placing high with retail, hitting top 5 in sales with LifeWay and top 10 with Family Christian Stores. Positive reviews and radio feedback continues to pour in, showing there's no doubt with the band's return. People love Audio Adrenaline...
<< Full Report >>
Centricity Music's Jason Gray continues to set new milestones with his career, as his new single, "Nothing Is Wasted" has received a record-breaking 21 radio adds for street week. Stations include; K-LOVE Radio Network; FISH/Los Angeles, CA; New Life Media, Chicago, IL; KTIS, Minneapolis, MN; KJHY, St. Louis, MO; WQME, Indianapolis, IN; and WHPZ, South Bend, IN. Four of Gray's previous radio singles hit Top 5 on the AC charts, and resulted in him winning two ASCAP Performance Awards in 2011 and 2012. With such a strong start for Nothing Is Wasted, the song seems to be on the fast track to being another chart topper...
<< Full Report >>
Having created huge waves with their 2010 project Light Up The Sky, chart-topping foursome The Afters will deliver their much-anticipated new studio album, Life Is Beautiful, on April 16. The 12-track project-the band's 4th overall-comes more than two and a half years after the launch of their previous effort's success-delivering two No. 1 hits ("Light Up The Sky," "Lift Me Up") and a bevy of film and television placements (New Year's Eve, "The Biggest Loser," "The Hills," "Army Wives")...
<< Full Report >>
Essential Records pop/rock band Building 429 begins the official countdown to the June 4 release of its anticipated sixth album, with the launch of the title track “We Won’t Be Shaken” as the project’s debut single. The hit-bound track garners 51 radio adds this week across the Christian AC, Hot AC and CHR charts, and ties for the biggest first add week at the format for the year. The song also debuted in the top 5 of iTunes Christian Singles chart...
<< Full Report >>Passion: Let the Future Begin has indeed begun brightly, with a No. 1 debut atop Christian SoundScan, as well No. 4 on the Billboard Top 200, the highest Billboard entry ever for a Passion recording. Garnering sales in excess of 47,000 units, this also marks sixstepsrecords' second album this year to debut in the top 5 of the Billboard Top 200, following GRAMMY® winner Chris Tomlin's No. 1 entry with Burning Lights this past January. Passion: Let the Future Begin is named after the anthemic lyrical shout from Tomlin's energetic track "God's Great Dance Floor...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 19, 2013*

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced today the return of the legendary GMA Dove Awards to Music City for its 44th year of honors. For the first time in Dove Awards history, Gospel music's biggest night will take place in the fall. This year's show is on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at 8 p.m. EDT, at Allen Arena on the campus of Nashville's historic Lipscomb University and will be nationally televised on GMC TV. The bold move from spring to fall was an intentional shift by the Gospel Music Association to make this year's esteemed...
<< Full Report >>
BEC Recordings' most recent addition to their roster, All Things New, will be releasing their full-length self-titled debut on April 9. Preceding their debut, this band is already making fans as they are currently opening on the 30+ dates of the Newsboys' God's Not Dead Tour (tour dates in the full report).
On the surface, singer Garrett Hornbuckle, drummer Luke Wycuff, bassist Joshua Schou, and guitarist Jeff Stein are young, easygoing, and stylish. Dig a little deeper and you'll find godly men who know too...
<< Full Report >>
Modern rock favorites THOUSAND FOOT KRUTCH wraps up the winter leg of its "War Of Change" U.S. headline tour with capacity crowds in multiple markets, including Dallas, TX; Flint, MI; Lancaster, PA; Louisville, KY; Chattanooga, TN and more. Playing its hits and fan favorites, including songs from its independently released, 5-star acclaimed and No. 1 selling Billboard Hard Rock album, The End Is Where We Begin, the tour also featured Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch and his band Love and Death, as well as The Letter Black and The Wedding. The tour began Feb. 21 in Columbia, MD and hit significant club venues in 11 states before wrapping up March 17 in Huntington, WV...
<< Full Report >>
World-renowned worship leader and best-selling author Darlene Zschech releases today amidst acclaim her long-awaited Revealing Jesus live worship CD/DVD and 365-day devotional hardcover gift book from RGM-NEW BREED Music / Integrity Music and Bethany House Publishers, respectively. Produced by five-time GRAMMY Award-winner Israel Houghton, orchestrated by Dr. Henry Panion III (Stevie Wonder, Carrie Underwood, Chaka Khan) and featuring special guest appearances and song co-writes with Michael W. Smith, Kari Jobe and Houghton, the Revealing Jesus CD/DVD was recorded live Sept. 28 and 29, 2012...
<< Full Report >>
The K-LOVE and Air1 Radio Networks was recently presented with the National Radio Broadcasters (NRB) Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications. They received the prestigious honor during NRB's Awards Dinner, which was held last week in Nashville at the NRB 2013 Convention & Exposition.
According to Mike Novak, President/CEO of the K-LOVE and Air1 Radio Network, "When your name is mentioned in the same breath as Billy Graham, it's humbling to say the least...
<< Full Report >>B IT Clothing and NOTW have announced their newest Christian fashion line “B Not Of This World” (B NOTW), which is available now. B NOTW is a collaboration that goes beyond fashion. The clothing line is based off of Joshua 1:9 and is worn by a generation that chooses to B Not Of This World. “The combination of an action step (by being) and what God tells us we are (Not of This World) comes together to create a movement to challenge people to B Not of This World...
<< Full Report >>
Christian singer-songwriter, Josh Garrels, has spent more than a decade crafting music that wrestles with and celebrates the mystery of faith with authenticity and heart. Today, he is making five of his most recent albums downloadable for free on Noisetrade and donating 100 percent of tips received to support World Relief's work in Congo. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently the most unstable, violent, and impoverished country in the world, with thousands displaced due to warring factions and a majority of the women suffering...
<< Full Report >>
Burgeoning singer/songwriter Lara Landon and esteemed producer, writer, and musician Magellan have teamed up for an electronic worship album, New Frontiers. The project, which has already been adopted by SpiritFit Music -- providing Christian music for personal workouts and fitness instructors -- will be available at all digital music outlets March 26. Having previously worked together, Landon and Magellan first embarked on this latest venture nearly two years ago...
<< Full Report >>

*Monday, March 18, 2013*

On Saturday (March 16th), Audrey Assad announced that her next studio project, an album she intends to make for the Church, would be self-released, but she needs YOUR help to do it! The artist is doing her new record without the aid of Sparrow Records this time, and she's got 30 days to raise the needed $40,000 to get it made the way she hopes to. In just two days, Audrey is already 3/4 of the way to her goal and you can still help her reach that goal! Check out Kickstarter.com for details on how to pitch in...
<< Full Report >>
DREAM Records artist, Silverline is doing exceptionally well at radio right now. In celebration, the group just released a lyric video for their new single, "Lights Out" which you can pick up on iTunes right now: http://bit.ly/XLUYT4. The group's album, titled Lights Out, is only 3 weeks from being released in stores everywhere (April 9th) and for all you die hard fans we will be making a special pre-order announce with iTunes on March 26th for you. The band is out on the road with Acquire The Fire along with headlining dates and dates with Press Play...
<< Full Report >>
Straight out of southern Georgia, Whosoever South blends country and hip hop with a Gospel message on their debut album, Goin' Home, due May 14th from Pit Bull Productions. Produced by Asaf Fulks (Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Tyga, Courtney Stodden), Goin' Home can only be classified as a genre all it's own: Country Crunk.
Whosoever South combines street savvy influences like TobyMac and Lecrae with country and bluegrass styles similar to the T Bone Burnett-produced O Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack, for an unconventional but infectious bass-thumping sound that serves as the catalyst for a dynamic ministry already making a major impact throughout the south...
<< Full Report >>

*Friday, March 15, 2013*

Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) has completed its acquisition of the existing Tooth & Nail recorded music catalog. This includes Tooth & Nail Records, BEC Recordings and Solid State Records, while excluding the catalogs of artists Demon Hunter, August Burns Red and the latest recordings from Love and Death and the Supertones. Capitol CMG will own and continue to develop products from Tooth & Nail’s extensive catalogs, marketing and distributing them through Capitol CMG Label Group and its catalog division...
<< Full Report >>Josh Wilson is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and storyteller with chart-topping hits and numerous industry awards. Now with Carry Me, his fourth project with Sparrow Records releasing April 9th, Wilson opens up his heart more than ever. Sharing about a very personal health issue dealing with anxiety and panic attacks, his new songs ultimately spread the message that through life's difficult trials, it is only God who can carry us through it all...
<< Full Report >>
Following four critically acclaimed projects, the Franklin, TN-based worship duo All Sons & Daughters release its first live, full-length recording, LIVE, April 23 from Integrity Music. Recorded in the chapel at Oceanway Studios in Nashville, LIVE features members Leslie Jordan and David Leonard sharing their best-loved songs, such as "All The Poor and Powerless" and "Reason to Sing," as well as new songs, all delivered in a congregationally-friendly, organic worship setting...
<< Full Report >>
Earlier this year, Mars Hill Music announced its partnership with Tooth & Nail Records / BEC Recordings to share the variety of worship bands coming from Mars Hill Church. Last week Mars Hill Music digitally released their full-length debut project from CITIZENS. The self-titled debut reached No. 1 on the iTunes Christian and Gospel chart as well as debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Heatseekers and Worship Albums charts. This week the album is available everywhere...
<< Full Report >>THE BIBLE Executive Producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey along with Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment announced today "The Bible Experience" - an exquisite gallery featuring rare biblical artifacts and an array of breathtaking photography from the series production in celebration of the epic miniseries. Previously at the Vatican, these one-of-a-kind rare artifacts will be on display exclusively for the first time ever in New York, March 20-27.
Featured in "The Bible Experience" exhibit are rarely seen and priceless Biblical artifacts on loan from the Green Collection...
<< Full Report >>
Pastor, speaker and author Judah Smith hits the NY Times Bestseller list this week (week of March 24, 2013) with his latest release, Jesus Is ___.: Find a New Way to Be Human. Published through Thomas Nelson, Inc., the book reached the NY Times No. 11 bestsellers slot (Advice, How-To, Misc. Paperback) while debuting on USA Today's Top 150 Best-Selling Books chart and garnering a strong foothold on retail websites across the board. Jesus Is ___. climbed to the no. 10 slot on Amazon's bestseller chart, hit no. 1 in Christian books on Amazon and reached the no. 2 position on Barnes & Noble's Top 100: Book Bestsellers list...
<< Full Report >>

*Thursday, March 14, 2013*

This week, Christian music’s leading pop/rock band Tenth Avenue North debuts the official music video for its new single, “Worn,” off the current album The Struggle. Directed by Nathan William and produced by Mike Edwards, the video magnificently captures the emotional exhaustion behind lead singer Mike Donehey’s lyrics, which plea for solace and rest from a world full of struggle...
<< Full Report >>
Ushering in the first days of 2013, some of the most notable worship leaders of this generation-Chris Tomlin, Crowder, Matt Redman, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill and Kari Jobe-filled Atlanta's Georgia Dome with songs of freedom and praise as they led more than 60,000 college students in worship at the significant, four-day gathering of Passion 2013. Capturing the power and energy of the conference, the 14-track, live worship album, Passion: Let The Future Begin, debuted in the Top 10 on the iTunes® Overall Albums Chart and is available now at retailers and digital...
<< Full Report >>
Worship Pastor, Keith Elgin, has released his award-winning single, "Made For More" from his self-titled EP to Christian radio. Keith was named 9th Annual Songwriter of the Year by CCM Network International just a year ago and has gained momentum in the Christian music industry. His recent EP was produced by Jason Hoard (Fee, Shane and Shane, Third Day).
In addition to being produced by Jason Hoard, this new EP includes production from prolific worship songwriter, Steve Fee (All Because of Jesus, Glory to God Forever)...
<< Full Report >>

*Wednesday, March 13, 2013*

Concluding its record-breaking 18th year Saturday, March 30, at San Antonio's AT&T Center, the internationally top-ranked Winter Jam Tour Spectacular is giving fans around the world an opportunity to experience the event live. In partnership with Blue Scout Media, Winter Jam is offering a "free pass" for online viewers to live-stream the unprecedented tour's season finale at www.stagehop.com. Founded and hosted by GRAMMY®-nominated NewSong, the Winter Jam 2013 Tour Spectacular is headlined by GRAMMY®-winning, multi-platinum recording artist TobyMac...
<< Full Report >>
Atlanta's Norma Jean have recently completed tracking their new album which will be released this coming June on Razor & Tie. The album was recorded at Covenant Recording Studios in Kansas City with producer Josh Barber and is being mixed by Jeremy Griffith. The new studio album will be the band's sixth full length album and second release with Razor & Tie, following 2010's critically acclaimed Meridional. Norma Jean will hit the road next week playing a series of dates...
<< Full Report >>
Since the release of her much-heralded sophomore album, Blessings, multi-award winning songstress Laura Story's massive No. 1 hit single of the same name has been certified by the R.I.A.A. as Digital Gold. The Fair Trade Services recording artist has enjoyed quite a season of success since the April 2011 release of Blessings. At the 2012 Billboard Music Awards, she garnered the trophy for Top Christian Song, on the heels of her GRAMMY® Win for Best Contemporary Christian Song as well as Dove Awards for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year...
<< Full Report >>
Platinum selling artist Mark Schultz is no stranger to the power of a story. Beginning this Friday, March 15, he is taking his stories on the road with his headlining tour, "All Things Possible" Tour 2013, presented by Compassion International. The tour's namesake is from Schultz' most recent studio album All Things Possible which includes his hit No. 1 title track song. For more information on the tour, visit www.MarkSchultzMusic.com. Joining him on the tour are artists Aaron Shust and Jonny Diaz...
<< Full Report >>
DREAM Records is pleased to announce it's latest release by none other than David Thulin. David will be releasing his sophmore album follow up to "Morning Rise Eternal" with a remix album, titled Reconstruction, featuring songs by Group1Crew, Press Play, Manic Drive, Beckah Shae, Jonathan Thulin, Rachael Lampa, Charmaine, Remedy Drive and a ton more! The Swedish born artist will be releasing the album out on April 23rd worldwide but will begin sharing some of the tracks with the public via the Dream Records YouTube channel soon. A producer in his own right, David is putting the finishing touches on the new Press Play album that is slated for this fall...
<< Full Report >>

*Tuesday, March 12, 2013*

On Thursday, March 14th, multi-platinum recording artist Owl City will be joined by Verve Records' artist Yuna for a one-time only live performance of "Shine Your Way" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on NBC® at 11:35/10:35c pm. The original song, which premiered on Monday March 4th on Idolator, was written especially for the new DreamWorks Animated film The Croods by two-time Academy Award® nominated composer Alan Silvestri along with Glen Ballard and the film's directors, Kirk DeMicco and Chris Sanders and was produced by Owl City alongside Silvestri and Ballard. Relativity Music Group is set to release the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack from The Croods on Tuesday, March 19th, three days before the...
<< Full Report >>
2011 Dove Awards' "Artist of the Year" and "Female Vocalist of the Year," Francesca Battistelli, who first captivated fans worldwide with her gold-certified debut album, My Paper Heart, has released a deluxe version of her sophomore album, Hundred More Years, on Fervent Records (iTunes link: http://smarturl.it/HMYDeluxe). In 2011, Hundred More Years debuted at No. 1 on the Christian SoundScan Album Chart and No. 16 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. The deluxe edition also features her current Top 20 hit single, "Strangely Dim," a remake of Peter Gabriel's hit, "In Your Eyes" which is also included on "The Bible: Music Inspired By The Epic Mini-Series" and three additional new tunes...
<< Full Report >>
Gotee Records' emerging act Finding Favour announces the release of their self-titled debut, available exclusively at all digital outlets today, March 12. The south-Georgia newcomer band collaborated with acclaimed producers Rob Hawkins (Building 429), Christopher Stevens (tobyMac, Sanctus Real, Mandisa) and Dustin Burnett (Kingsfoil) to produce the six-track release. Finding Favour will be available at Christian retailers beginning May 7...
<< Full Report >>Jesus Culture invites a generation of revivalists to gather this summer at the Jesus Culture Conference in Los Angeles at the Gibson Amphitheatre July 22-24, 2013. Jesus Culture is calling a generation to gather to seek the Lord through passionate worship and preaching featuring speakers Reinhard Bonnke, Russell Evans, Banning Liebscher, Scott Thompson, Havilah Cunnington and Kim Walker-Smith. Worship will be led by Walker-Smith, Chris Quilala and the Jesus Culture band, Kristene DiMarco, Bryan and Katie Torwalt and Derek Johnson...
<< Full Report >>
Dream Records recording artist, Kingdom releases their debut album self-titled today. The group's members, Jordan (Vox, Elec Guitar), Sean (Elec Guitar), Veronica (Vox), Steven (Drums, loops), Nate (Bass), and Justin (Keys) comprise the team that leads worship in front of thousands of people at their home church, Destiny Church in Rocklin, CA. The sixteen song album by the group is an eclectic mix of worship, rock and pop centering around the heart of the gospel message. The album is quickly going up the iTunes Top Christian Album chart. You can purchase the album today on iTunes...
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Her songs are sung weekly by a world choir with "Shout To The Lord" alone being sung by an estimated 30 million each week. And those songs and recordings have helped produce 16 Gold and Platinum albums. Her books have been translated into 19 languages. Her passion for mentoring worship leaders has fueled and inspired a new generation serving and leading around the world. Her heart for orphans and widows helped launch HOPE: Rwanda and Hope: Global now serving thousands of the world's poorest children.
Add to that the fact that Darlene Zschech is a wife, mother, new grandmother and a partner in ministry with her husband Mark, and one might wonder what more a woman of such substance...
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*Monday, March 11, 2013*

Jars of Clay have been hard at work on a new studio album, slated to release before the end of 2013, but in the meantime, they want to share a few live recordings with you. They recorded a live show in Sellersville, PA on October 16, 2011 with intentions of releasing it as a live DVD, but it never came to fruition. However, the band will be releasing select audio recordings of the songs on Monday, March 19th on iTunes and Amazon. However, if you grab it via JarsofClay.com on March 18, you'll get some videos and a sneak peek at the upcoming album...
<< Full Report >>Capitol Christian Music Group announced today that its market-leading distribution arm EMI CMG Distribution, will be re-branded as Capitol Christian Distribution. This announcement is made in tandem with the launch of their updated business-to-business website (http://www.capitolchristiandistribution.com). "We are excited to introduce these changes today as we reveal the new name, logo and updated website," shares Greg Bays, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Capitol Christian Distribution...
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Hot new duo for KING & COUNTRY will be performing their new single, "Middle of Your Hear," on FOX News Channel's hit TV show, "Huckabee," March 23 at 8pm EST. The single is the third release from their critically-acclaimed debut album Crave which just last week climbed back into the Top 10 on the iTunes Christian Albums Chart more than one year after its release. The video for their last single, "The Proof of Your Love (The Monologue Mix)," which Amazon.com named as Christian music's "Song of the Year" in 2012, also just surpassed the one million mark on YouTube. In addition, the title track from the album is featured on "The Bible: Music Inspired By The Epic Mini-Series," the musical companion to the History Channel's mini-series "The Bible," which comes...
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Award-winning producer, songwriter and artist Benjah will release his third solo album Vanity Fare on March 19th via Jahmen Music Group, with distribution through New Day Distribution. The highly anticipated album features guest performances by some of Christian music's hottest artists, including Trip Lee, Tedashii, Propaganda, Da Truth, Json, Sho Baraka, Beckah Shae, Canon and more. On Vanity Fare, Benjamin "Benjah" Thom passionately communicates the cost of chasing vanity...
<< Full Report >>LOVED, the 6th studio album by acclaimed indie singer songwriter JJ Heller, hits stores tomorrow, March 12, 2013. Along with the standard version being sold in outlets worldwide, a deluxe digital edition with 4 additional acoustic songs is available from JJHeller.com, iTunes and other digital outlets...
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*Friday, March 8, 2013*

Thousand Foot Krutch frontman Trevor McNevan has been sharing details of his recent healing while on TFK's current "War Of Change" headline tour. Here's the story he shared with his publicist to share with you. (And be sure to hear him tell this story in person on this tour!): "A few weeks ago, after the Super Bowl, I was walking from my living room to my kitchen and out of no where, my back literally felt like it shattered. A few days later it was so bad I couldn't even move; it was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life. I tried to make it down the stairs to head to the hospital and blacked out. My wife had to call 911 and ambulance...
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The anticipated record from Audio Adrenaline is now just days away! Kings & Queens (Fair Trade Services) is the ten-song album featuring the band's new lead vocalist, Kevin Max and long-time band member bassist Will McGinniss, who are joined by CCM vets Dave Ghazarian (Superchick) on guitar, drummer Jared Byers (Bleach), and singer-songwriter-keyboardist Jason Walker. AA's other original member, Mark Stuart, having to step down as lead vocalist due to spasmodic dysphonia (causing involuntary muscle spasms of the larynx), is very much still part of band decisions and wrote on many of the new songs for this new album. Now, with new band members and a larger mission goal, there is no question the world is ready for the "new" Audio Adrenaline...
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*Thursday, March 7, 2013*

NEEDTOBREATHE, a rock and roll band from South Carolina, have been together for over 13 years. Their non-stop touring has gained them the reputation as a must see live act. With four highly acclaimed albums behind them and a fifth in production, they continue to deliver songs that show their roots and ambitions in equal measure. As Bear Rinehart says "We take every chance we get to support Palmetto Medical Initiative, so the band is offering the "Cercas Blancas EP", a mix of old, live and new recordings. All 'tips' go directly to PMI to support the incredible work they do across the globe providing sustainable...
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It was an incredible evening for Centricity Publishing's CentricSongs at the recent SESAC Christian Music Awards. The company won 16 awards, with Seth Mosley being honored with 12 National Performance Activity Awards and 2 awards for #1 Billboard Song for All Things Possible, recorded by Mark Schultz and Fighter, recorded by Manafest. Resuscitate Me garnered David Zach, frontman for Remedy Drive, an award for #1 Billboard Song and his second win for National Performance Activity Award. A complete listing of winners is available online at...
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Dubbed as the new face of electronic pop, Capital Kings (Cole Walowac, Jon White) have already had a breakout year with their debut album entering the Top 5 on the Billboard Christian Albums Chart and embarking on one of the largest arena tours, Winter Jam. This month is no exception for the emerging act who releases their debut music video "You'll Never Be Alone" this week: http://youtu.be/klf_k_pxWoE. The music video was directed by Sean Hagwell (Hot Chelle Rae) and filmed in Denver, Colo. Capital Kings sent out a call out to fans inviting them...
<< Full Report >>Word Entertainment will release a musical companion to the History Channel's mini-series "The Bible" on March 12. The 12-track album highlighting themes from the mini-series features contemporary Christian's top artists including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, Point of Grace, and Sidewalk Prophets. Superstars Wynonna Judd and Kenny Rogers also come together on the compilation for a special rendition of "Mary Did You Know?" The breathtaking epic, which airs every Sunday through March culminating on Easter, drew in 27 million viewers this past Sunday...
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Integrity Music celebrates Gateway Church's canon of modern hymns and worship anthems with a new 14-track collection, Gateway Worship: The First Ten Years, releasing March 19. Led by Worship Pastor Thomas Miller along with Gateway Worship members Walker Beach, Sion Alford, David Moore, Zach Neese, Jason Tam and Dove Award-winning artist Kari Jobe, Gateway Church and its dynamic worship ministry have grown to be one of the most influential in the world...
<< Full Report >>Unspoken was the featured music guest this week on FOX 17 Tennessee Mornings. The band performed their current Top Ten single, "Who You Are" that was named as the 2012 Top Christian Song of the Year by iTunes. The group's second song closed the show, Bury The Workman that will be on their next EP and will be released exclusively to iTunes early summer. A full studio album from Unspoken will be released in February, 2014...
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*Wednesday, March 6, 2013*

Last week Hillsong UNITED released the widely acclaimed studio project, Zion, which has earned the international worship band its highest ever Billboard 200 debut at No. 5 with a 25 percent increase from their last studio album Aftermath. The project, selling more than 34,100 units its first week, also topped the Billboard Christian & Gospel album and digital charts. During street week, UNITED peaked as the No. 1 album overall on iTunes in the United States, South Africa, Sweden, Dominican Republic, Brazil, Singapore...
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As he approaches the ten-year mark of his music career, singer/songwriter/storyteller Shawn McDonald releases The Analog Sessions (Sparrow), a collection of nine re-recorded via live-to-tape hits and fan favorites, plus two brand new tunes. The project releases March 26.
"When you release a traditional greatest hits record these days, usually people just go to iTunes to download the new songs, so the idea was to re-record everything to give the songs a fresh and different approach," McDonald shares...
<< Full Report >>Onward to Olympas and The Burial have just announced a series of tour dates in April that will take them out to Facedown Fest and back. The two-week run is sponsored by Fakelife Clothing and will have the bands stopping in cities along the southern states. The Burial are currently working on a new album due out later this year, and Onward to Olympas are touring in support of their most recent release "Indicator". You can see a video for the single here...
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Multi-Platinum artist, 2 x Grammy Award Winner, 4 x Dove Award Winner David Phelps, has undoubtedly made a strong name in different facets of the music world. Now after releasing his Classic solo album, Phelps is preparing to make a strong name in a new arena. Not only does David have big plans for the summer, but he also has plans for the classical music world.
After wrapping up his tour with Gaither Vocal Group, David will kick off his European Classic tour in the month of June with eleven stops from Faroe Islands to Germany...
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Christian Pop Artist, Leslie Woods, has signed a four-album record deal with INOV8 Music Group. "There is no other artist in this world that deserves this opportunity any more than Leslie Woods" said Jeff McLaughlin, Woods' manager. "She has overcome insurmountable challenges in her life that would cause any young girl to crawl into a hole and give up on her dreams and it is so great to see her finally reaching the level of success that she has always deserved." One of Woods' biggest challenges was at the age of 14 when she was diagnosed with epilepsy. However, when you see and hear her sing, it is evident that through Christ, she has risen above her challenges...
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*Tuesday, March 5, 2013*

Moody Radio morning drive-time host and Frontiers recording artist Perry LaHaie is releasing his highly-anticipated new CD, Ahead, today. LaHaie, known for his outreach ministry in the Muslim world, says inspiration for the 11-song collection draws heavily on a quote from Dawson Trotman, the founder of the Navigators: "When you can't see very far ahead, go as far ahead as you can see." "That's why I sing about reaching the nations and that's why I work with Frontiers," LaHaie says. "Although I cannot always see where my path is leading, God has made this very clear...
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*Monday, March 4, 2013*

Word Entertainment-a Christian entertainment company offering an array of artist services including recorded music, publishing, merchandising, booking and marketing -today announced the appointment of Dale Mathews to Senior Vice President, Music Publishing and Church Resources, Word Entertainment. Mathews will oversee Word's newly combined Publishing and Print Music operations, leading a unified team dedicated to serving Word Entertainment's songwriters and artists, and equipping the church with a wide range of premier music products and other ministry resources. Based in Nashville...
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*Friday, March 1, 2013*

Two-time GRAMMY nominated singer, songwriter and worship leader Matt Maher is set to release his most unique and revealing project yet with the announcement of his fourth album, titled All The People Said Amen available April 23. Maher's newest project fuses the popularity of his vibrant live show with several new studio cuts, offering fans an assortment of writing and performance styles. “This project,” offers Maher, “is a real collage of who I am musically...
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On February 27, critically-acclaimed new duo for KING & COUNTRY performed before a packed house and worldwide online audience for the simulcast event "gods at war" led by Pastor and bestselling author, Kyle Idelman. The event, which covered topics including the idols infiltrating our lives and our churches, took place at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY, in front of 5,100 people...
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This week, Charlotte, N.C.-based worship team, Elevation Worship celebrates the street week release of its second full-length album with Essential Worship/Provident, Nothing Is Wasted, with the group's first No. 1 chart debut, selling more than 11,780 total units across all physical and digital channels. The project enters at the No.1 position on the Billboard Contemporary Christian Chart and lands within the Top 50 of...
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Quickly becoming one of the most well loved trios in Christian music today, Dove Award Nominee, Beyond the Ashes (BTA) are on fire once again with their debut StowTown Records' release, Living in the Moment. The new album will arrive at stores, and digitally, via iTunes and others, this Tuesday, March 5th, 2013.
Produced by Ernie Haase and Wayne Haun, this dynamic album features BTA's tight male harmony...
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The band (now formerly) known as Arthur is calling it quits after a decade together. Formed as a side project by the current and past members of Bremerton, WA, punk-pop band MxPx, Arthur began with the original line-up of Michael "Arthur" Herrera, Yuri "Zane" Ruley and MxPx stage tech Neil "Alexander" Hundt in 1997. Shortly after, Thomas "Edmund" Wisniewski joined, and Arthur took full form. "Arthur was never a full time touring band, but we were a band none the less, which is why we're formally BREAKING UP...
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For the past 31 years, non-profit Christian ministry Actors, Models and Talent for Christ (AMTC) has been scouting the country, searching for actors, models, singers, dancers and comedians who are called to become positive role models. Due to popular demand, the team will be screening local talent in the following cities...
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Next Friday, September 20Jeremy CampThe Story's Not Over [Capitol]Life.Church WorshipGod So Good [DREAM]William McDowellThe Cry: A Live Worship Experience [Integrity]North Point Inside OutWide Open EP [Centricity]Social Club MisfitsDOOM - EP [Capitol]